Tuesday, December 14, 2010

So what is Needle Felting?

Needle felting is a quick and easy way to add embellishment to plain felted knitting. What needle felting does is fuse another layer of fiber (be it wool roving, wool yarn, or another piece of felt) onto the base fiber or felted fabric. The same technique can be used to make felted shapes, but for our purposes as knitters working the fiber into a base fabric is the most common use.

To begin needle felting you'll need to gather a few supplies, which are available today on www.StitchSteals.com!

  • a needle felting mat which allows the needles to go through the fiber and beyond without damaging the needles or the surface below
  • a needle felting tool, either a single needle or a tool which has four needles inside a plastic sleeve
  • wool roving in various colors, or wool yarn or cut out pieces of felt
  • a felted swatch to practice on or your piece of felted knitting
(from about.com, by )

Here are some videos from Clover on using today's Needle Felting tools & molds:




Have a fantastic day!
Stephanie

Thursday, November 25, 2010

So if you are considering purchasing the FabriCalc, here are a few videos showing how it works and all the fantastic functions that are available at your fingertips...literally ;)

Happy Black Friday!
Stephanie










Sunday, November 21, 2010

We have Holiday Yarn!


We are pleased to announce the arrival of Lion Brand Holiday Homespun Yarn....look for it tomorrow!

Also, Lion Brand has hundreds of free patterns online (including those pictured below), check them out at: http://www.lionbrand.com/





We would love to see what you create, please share your photos with us!

Have a great holiday week!
Stephanie

Monday, November 1, 2010

Here is some information on Tuesday's Steal....Vinyl Wall Art by EAD designs.

Applying/Removing

Application Instructions

1. Surface Preparation

Use a tape measure or ruler to determine the exact area where the quote/graphic will be placed. It is a good idea to draw a horizontal line, or use masking tape or painters tape for a guide. Make sure your surface is clean and smooth. The vinyl can be installed just about anywhere you want to put them. Painted walls (light and medium texture work fine, including knock down and orange peel) ,wood, furniture, ceramic tile, metal, glass, porcelain, painted brick, wallpaper, bathroom sinks, showers, doors, hardy plank, mail boxes, and much more.

2. Prepare Quote

Some quotes/graphics will come rolled up because of the length. Unroll and let it sit flat until it stops trying to roll itself up again. The vinyl is sandwiched between transfer tape and backing. You want the vinyl to stick to the transfer tape. Before peeling the back paper off, burnish (rub) the surface of the transfer tape to ensure the vinyl is adhered solidly to the transfer tape. (letters may pull away from the transfer tape during shipping)

3. Application

Flip the quote/graphic over a carefully peel the backing away from the quote on an angle, which should remain on the transfer tape. If some of the vinyl sticks to the backing, replace the backing and the vinyl to the tape and rub it again so it sticks to the transfer tape instead. Place the taped vinyl on the prepared surface using your guide or tape to position your vinyl correctly. *The quote cannot be repositioned once it is on your surface, so be careful to line it up where you want it.

4. Burnishing

Using the application stick or credit card carefully and press any air bubbles out from underneath the words. Burnish again and apply more pressure over the entire area.

5. Transfer Tape Removal

CAREFULLY peel back the transfer tape on an angle leaving the vinyl on your surface, If the vinyl tried to come up with the transfer tape, place the tape back on the surface and burnish that area again until the vinyl sticks to your surface.

6. Enjoy your vinyl design creation!

Removal

Removal of your Quotes/Graphics is easy: use a blow dryer over the vinyl and peel them off the surface.

*E.A.D DESIGNS can not be held responsible for damage to paint or any surface. We speak from our experience, and cannot insure that all experiences will be the same.

Q. What exactly is vinyl lettering?
A. Vinyl lettering is a pre-pasted, pre-spaced, individually cut letter /saying that gives the look of hand painted stenciling but without the hassle and time. It is very easy to apply and take off and is a beautiful way to decorate any room in your home or office. Our Lettering and Graphics are made only from High Quality Vinyl
Q. Will lettering stick to any surface?
A.
Lettering works great on painted walls, glass, mirrors, metal, tile, paper, wood, most wallpaper, etc. The “orange peel” walls work fine if they are not too lumpy.
Q.Can I re-use my saying?
A.
Once you have removed your lettering it cannot be re-used.
Q. How do I clean around my saying?
A.
Carefully wipe with a clean cloth as you would for painted stenciling.

Q. Can Vinyl letters be used outside?
A. Our vinyl can be used outdoors. Some examples of outdoor use include car windows or car doors, outdoor equipment, mailboxes, store windows and banners. Our vinyl has a five-six year outdoor life.
If applying vinyl to an outdoor surface, be sure that the temperature is at least 50 degrees. If the application surface is too cold, the vinyl will not adhere properly and will peel off.

Friday, October 15, 2010

Shipping Update + Past Steals Page

First, we wanted to formally announce the addition of our "Past Steals" page. We have gathered up old goodies and made a page for you to purchase them on. Even better is we will combine the shipping for you! So shop away but do not delay 'cause once it's gone, it is gone!


Now, for the shipping update. As many of you know we have struggled with the shipping charges since we opened our doors in June 2010 and now with the addition of the past steals page it has made it even more difficult for us to accurately calculate and charge the correct shipping. So as of Saturday, October 16th we are moving to a calculated shipping model. This will allow you to pay exactly the amount charged by the USPS. The charges will be calculated based on your zip code and the weight of your entire shopping cart. This will allow us to deepen our discounts offered to you and in some instances save you money on the shipping!


As always, please feel free to email me with any questions or concerns.


Have a great weekend!

Stephanie

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Grand Opening June 23rd!

Here is a little sneaky peeky....



We are preparing to launch our new site www.StitchSteals.com next Wednesday June 23rd!


We have some awesome products lined up including organic fabrics from a supercute newish designer, Basic Grey precuts, My Mind's Eye Fabric (who knew they even had fabric?), a whole box full of premium yarn, designer totes...the list goes on!


Please share StitchSteals.com with your crafty friends!


Have a fantastic weekend!

Stephanie




Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Stitch Steals will be opening soon!

From the owner of Crafty Steals a new site has been created for all of the knitters, quilters, and fabric crafty folks out there. Stitch Steals will feature unbelievable bargains on fabric, thread, yarn, etc. So get ready to steal like never before as we prepare for our grand opening!

Be in the know when this new site opens it doors for the first time. Sign up for our email alerts and facebook.

Happy Stealing!
Stephanie Phillips
owner, CraftySteals.com & StitchSteals.com

P.S. ~ We welcome suggestions as we build our inventory....let us know what you would like to see as a "steal"!